Traffic police chief 'nicked' @ 104mph
Discussion
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/3671161.stm
Traffic police chief did 104mph
The police chief in charge of traffic in Greater Manchester has been caught speeding along a motorway at 104mph.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Thomas was fined £450 and given six penalty points by North Staffordshire magistrates on Thursday.
He said he sincerely regretted his "error of judgement", but had thought he was driving safely at the time.
Mr Thomas said he remained committed to reducing the number of traffic accidents caused by speeding.
Magistrates heard that Mr Thomas had been clocked doing 104mph on the M6 Toll road near Birmingham.
After appearing in court, he defended his actions on the day.
In a statement he said: "On the day in question, the driving and road conditions were good, and I was part of a group of around 15 cars all doing around the same speed.
"I considered that my manner of driving was safe. However, exceeding the speed limit by this amount is unacceptable and I sincerely regret my error of judgement.
"Excessive speed is a contributory factor in many road traffic incidents and it's everyone's duty to drive safely and at a reasonable speed at all times."
He added: "I remain committed to reducing the number of serious road traffic accidents that occur in Greater Manchester."
A GMP spokesman confirmed: "Assistant Chief Constable Thomas has responsibility for traffic issues at GMP and those responsibilities will remain."
As well as being in charge of roads policing, Mr Thomas is head of divisional policing in Greater Manchester.
A spokesman for anti-speeding campaigners, Brake, said: "Driving at excessive speeds like this greatly increases the chance of a car crash.
"Someone in Mr Thomas' position, who has seen at first hand the consequences of speeding, should know better."
Traffic police chief did 104mph
The police chief in charge of traffic in Greater Manchester has been caught speeding along a motorway at 104mph.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Thomas was fined £450 and given six penalty points by North Staffordshire magistrates on Thursday.
He said he sincerely regretted his "error of judgement", but had thought he was driving safely at the time.
Mr Thomas said he remained committed to reducing the number of traffic accidents caused by speeding.
Magistrates heard that Mr Thomas had been clocked doing 104mph on the M6 Toll road near Birmingham.
After appearing in court, he defended his actions on the day.
In a statement he said: "On the day in question, the driving and road conditions were good, and I was part of a group of around 15 cars all doing around the same speed.
"I considered that my manner of driving was safe. However, exceeding the speed limit by this amount is unacceptable and I sincerely regret my error of judgement.
"Excessive speed is a contributory factor in many road traffic incidents and it's everyone's duty to drive safely and at a reasonable speed at all times."
He added: "I remain committed to reducing the number of serious road traffic accidents that occur in Greater Manchester."
A GMP spokesman confirmed: "Assistant Chief Constable Thomas has responsibility for traffic issues at GMP and those responsibilities will remain."
As well as being in charge of roads policing, Mr Thomas is head of divisional policing in Greater Manchester.
A spokesman for anti-speeding campaigners, Brake, said: "Driving at excessive speeds like this greatly increases the chance of a car crash.
"Someone in Mr Thomas' position, who has seen at first hand the consequences of speeding, should know better."
I am sorry but I think he should resign,
"let he who is without sin throw the first stone",
how can this guy continue with a policy of speed reduction when he has been caught red handed, he obviously does not practice what he preaches or truely believe in his own policies.
Oh, and a group of 15 cars all doing over 100mph, they weren't racing were they? ....these are the questions that would be asked of mere mortals such as us!
Richard
Now that is hilarious. Personally I think that he should have said the 70 limit is no longer suitable. And that his force will only prosecute for 100+ on the motorway. That would have hurt the inept Blunkett. By the way there is an unmarked Volvo S60 in Black MV03... operating on the Greater Mnachester Motorways.
Baz
Baz
james_j said:
Proof positive that the Assistant Chief Constable thinks that speeding is not a significant safety factor on its own. His only true regret is, of course, that he was caught.
Yes I think that's about right. Given the current state of the law he was setting a bad example for a chap in his position, and he ends up feeling he has to say the politically correct thing.
In terms of practical road safety the whole business of speed limits as they are applied and enforced at present is sheer nonsense anyhow.
The NSL should be abolished, or at least made advisory only.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
Hypocrite! 
cazzo said:
A spokesman for anti-speeding campaigners, Brake, said: "Driving at excessive speeds like this greatly increases the chance of a car crash.
I see Mad Mary's Gang are quoting bent statistics again!!!
in reality, IF an accident takes place at that speed (which is statistically lower as 95% of all accidents happen at under 30mph!) then it MAY be more serious....... READ/QUOTE your effin stats correctly you lying barstewards!!!
Twisting lying lefty wannabe politicos at it again!!!!
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